Initiative

Initiative
Initiative In*i"ti*a*tive, n. [Cf. F. initiative.] 1. An introductory step or movement; an act which originates or begins. [1913 Webster]

The undeveloped initiatives of good things to come. --I. Taylor. [1913 Webster]

2. The right or power to introduce a new measure or course of action, as in legislation; as, the initiative in respect to revenue bills is in the House of Representatives. [1913 Webster]

3. (Political Science) The right or procedure by which legislation may be introduced or enacted directly by the people, as in the Swiss Confederation and in many of the States of the United States; -- chiefly used with the. The procedure of the initiative is essentially as follows: Upon the filing of a petition signed by a required number or percentage of qualified voters the desired measure must be submitted to a popular vote, and upon receiving the required majority (commonly a majority of those voting on the measure submitted) it becomes a law. In some States of the United States the initiative is only local; in others it is state-wide and includes the making of constitutional amendments. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

4. a character trait manifested in a readiness and ability to initiate action; an enterprising spirit; a go-getting attitude; energy; drive; get-up-and-go. [PJC]

5. in interactive activities, such as conversation or games, the right or opportunity to set the course of action; as, to have the initiative. [PJC]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Initiative — Initiative …   Deutsch Wörterbuch

  • initiative — [ inisjativ ] n. f. • 1567, rare av. fin XVIIIe; du lat. initiare « initier », en bas lat. « commencer » 1 ♦ Action d une personne qui est la première à proposer, entreprendre, organiser qqch. Prendre l initiative d une démarche (⇒ entreprendre,… …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • initiative — i‧ni‧tia‧tive [ɪˈnɪʆətɪv] noun 1. [uncountable] the ability to make decisions and take action without waiting for someone to tell you what to do: • He encourages initiative and new ideas. • You must be prepared to work on your own initiative. 2.… …   Financial and business terms

  • initiative — ini·tia·tive /i ni shə tiv, shē ə tiv/ n 1: the esp. introductory series of steps taken to cause a desired result the deposing party would ordinarily be required to take the initiative in arranging a deposition Andrews v. Bradshaw, 895 P.2d 973… …   Law dictionary

  • Initiative — Sf std. (19. Jh.) Entlehnung. Entlehnt aus frz. initiative (législative) Vorschlagsrecht (für Gesetze), Gesetzesinitiative , zu frz. initier einführen, den Anfang machen, einweihen , aus l. initiāre, zu l. initium n. Anfang, Eingang, Ursprung ,… …   Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen sprache

  • initiative — 1793, that which begins, also power of initiating, from Fr. initiative (1560s), from L. initiatus (see INITIATION (Cf. initiation)). First attested in English in writings of William Godwin. Phrase take the initiative recorded by 1844 …   Etymology dictionary

  • initiative — ► NOUN 1) the ability to act independently and with a fresh approach. 2) the power or opportunity to act before others do. 3) a new development or fresh approach to a problem. ● on one s own initiative Cf. ↑on one s own initiative …   English terms dictionary

  • Initiative — »erster Anstoß zu einer Handlung; Entschlusskraft, Unternehmungsgeist«: Das Wort wurde im 18. Jh. aus frz. initiative entlehnt, einem staatsrechtlichen Begriff mit der Bed. »Vorschlagsrecht«, wie er noch heute in der Schweiz gilt. Die allgemeine… …   Das Herkunftswörterbuch

  • Initiative — In*i ti*a*tive, a. [Cf. F. initiatif.] Serving to initiate; inceptive; initiatory; introductory; preliminary. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Initiatīve — (v. lat.), 1) das Recht, etwas anzutragen, vorzuschlagen; 2) Einleitung zu einer Sache; 3) nach den Begriffen des constitutionellen Staatsrechts das Recht, der Volksvertretung einen Gesetzesentwurf zur Berathung vorzulegen. Die I. unterscheidet… …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

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